Three past Manchester United managerial targets available after Como defeat

Manchester United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat at Como on Wednesday 21 October extended their winless run to seven matches. Three managers previously linked with the job are out of work: Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Julian Nagelsmann.

The trio are available as pressure grows on Michael Carrick. They are among 12 names considered during previous searches by United’s co-owners Ineos.

Three former targets out of work

McKenna left Ipswich after securing promotion to the Premier League. The former United assistant spent five years in coaching roles at Old Trafford, where he worked alongside Carrick.

Frank was dismissed by Tottenham in February following a short spell in charge. Nagelsmann lost the Germany job after the World Cup. His club experience includes managing Bayern Munich, but he has not coached in England.

United’s interest in those managers spans several appointments. In summer 2024, while Erik ten Hag’s future was being considered, The Athletic reported a shortlist that included Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino. United ultimately extended Ten Hag’s contract.

Other candidates remain in jobs

Tuchel now manages England, Pochettino leads the United States and De Zerbi is at Tottenham. Marco Silva and Graham Potter, linked before Ruben Amorim’s appointment in November 2024, are employed by Benfica and Sweden respectively. Recruiting either would involve a substantial compensation payment.

The Athletic also reported United’s interest in Carlo Ancelotti and Nagelsmann before Carrick received the permanent job this year. Ancelotti remains Brazil’s manager.

Other names previously linked include Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola and Luis Enrique. Emery is at Aston Villa, while Iraola took charge of Liverpool after leaving Bournemouth. Enrique remains with Paris Saint-Germain, having led them to successive Champions League titles.